Bloc’s Software Development Track

June 12, 2017

“What do you enjoy doing so much… you would pay to do it?”

If you’re like me and “writing code” is on your list, you’re in luck.

It costs over $20,000 (with financing) to join the Bloc’s Software Developer Track. I’ve just completed my first month. So far it’s been smooth sailing. This week, I plan to complete Frontend training and move into Backend Development.

I did my research before jumping in so I knew what to expect. You can find over 95% positive reviews from students online. The minority of negative reviews dealt with unmanaged expectations. As with my Amazon purchases, I dove into Bloc’s negative reviews so I could manage my own expectations. Here’s what I kept in mind:

1. Mastery

I didn’t expect Bloc to make me a master at Full Stack Development in ONE year. Just like becoming a doctor or lawyer, becoming a software engineer requires a broad understanding. This understanding can then be applied, honed, and sharpened when shipping live code. Part of me would like to dig deeper into what I’m learning though I know mastery is developed through layers of experience over time. Plus, whatever I dig into now may not even be needed in the specific career I plan to pursue.

2. Research

I didn’t expect Bloc to provide all the resources to learn everything I needed to know. I knew I’d be doing a lot of research outside of Bloc. Those who got the most from Bloc soaked up knowledge from every resource available. I find myself watching multiple YouTube videos from different developers to get my head around new concepts. This along with one-on-one mentorship from Bloc has been invaluable in my growth and development in this field.

3. Love

I didn’t expect Bloc to make me love programming. I loved it coming in. I love solving problems. I love researching how to solve problems. I love the hours hacking away at a program. I love eating away at a program bit by bit. Sometimes the program eats away at me and that’s part of the challenge. Just like climbing a mountain or finishing a marathon, programming gives me a high. A sense of accomplishment. Time no longer exists. Other than the monetary cost, there was no way I could lose joining Bloc.

In summary, if you understand what it takes to reach mastery, if you enjoy researching every available resource, and if you have a passion for programming, you too may find smooth sailing a month into Bloc.